My Top 5 Favorite Neighborhoods in Paris

7th Arrondissement: Refined, elegant & quietly magical

The 7th is where Paris feels most composed. Early mornings here are my favorite: locals walking their dogs along Rue de Grenelle, the soft bells of Saint-Clotilde, and cafés where the day begins slowly. I love ending an afternoon with a stroll along the Seine as the Eiffel Tower flickers to life—no matter how many times I’ve seen it, the moment always feels special.

• Insider tip: Pick up a warm baguette at Boulangerie du Champ de Mars and enjoy a sunset picnic on the Champs-de-Mars. Simple, perfect Paris.

• Favorite stay: Le Narcisse Blanc—serene, romantic, and steps from everything yet blissfully peaceful.

6th Arrondissement (Saint-Germain-des-Prés): Classic Parisian soul

Saint-Germain is where the Paris of novels and black-and-white films still lives. I always stop at Café de Flore—yes, it’s iconic, but there’s nothing like sitting with a café crème and watching the neighborhood pulse around you. Between the bookstores, the Luxembourg Gardens, and tiny design shops, it’s easy to lose an entire day wandering without ever getting bored.

• Insider tip: Order the hot chocolate at Café de Flore—thick, rich, and perfect on a cool morning.

Île de la Cité: The eternal heart of Paris

Crossing onto this island feels like stepping into the oldest layers of Paris. I come here for the stained-glass glow of Sainte-Chapelle, but I stay for the river views—every bridge is its own postcard. In the early evening, when the city lights reflect off the Seine, Île de la Cité becomes one of the most breathtaking places in Paris.

• Off the beaten path: Visit the weekend flower market or take a quiet walk behind Notre-Dame, where the crowds thin and the scenery becomes intimate again.

Montmartre (18th): Bohemian, artistic & always inspiring

Montmartre is where Paris feels playful. I love climbing the steps early in the morning, before the crowds arrive, when the Sacré-Cœur glows pink with sunrise. The tiny streets here—especially Rue de l’Abreuvoir—feel like you’ve wandered into a watercolor painting. Artists still sketch in the squares, cafés spill into the streets, and there’s an energy that is uniquely, undeniably Montmartre.

• Insider tip: Stop at Le Consulat for a glass of wine and people-watching—it’s touristy, but charming in the very best way.

9th Arrondissement: Vibrant, creative & under the radar

Whenever I want a balance of classic and modern Paris, I base myself in the 9th. Many people come here for the shopping, but there’s so much more: the gilded magic of the Palais Garnier, the secret passages filled with antique shops and tea rooms, and one of my favorite small museums—Musée de la Vie Romantique—a hidden gem with a leafy courtyard café. The 9th feels youthful and elegant all at once.

• Favorite stay: La Fantaisie on Rue Cadet—stylish, fresh, and perfectly located.

My top three guilty pleasures

1. Paris by night strolls
   There’s something irresistible about wandering the streets of Paris after dark. The city lights shimmer on the Seine, little cafés glow warmly, and every corner holds that quintessential je ne sais quoi—a quiet magic that makes Paris feel both intimate and infinite. Pause at a tiny bistro for a glass of wine or a late-night croissant and soak in the true Parisian ambiance.

2. Paris at Christmas
   During the holiday season, Paris transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland. Twinkling lights, festive markets, and the scent of mulled wine fill the streets. Skate at Hôtel de Ville, wander the decorated Champs-Élysées, or explore the boutique Christmas markets in Saint-Germain and Le Marais. Each neighborhood offers a cozy, enchanting way to experience the city in its most festive attire.

3. Montmartre’s Hidden Vineyard (Clos Montmartre)
   Tucked away in Montmartre, this secret vineyard is a delightful Parisian gem. Wander the charming streets surrounding the Sacré-Cœur, browse local art shops along the way, and end with a tasting at the vineyard itself. It’s a truly unique way to experience the bohemian spirit and creative energy of this iconic neighborhood.

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